Jessica S. Henry - Smoke but No Fire: Convicting the Innocent of Crimes that Never Happened

I have read many times that no book is written alone. This book is no exception. I could not have reached the finish line without the support of a whole host of incredibly generous people.

One of the most important decisions that a person can make is choosing a life partner. When I had the opportunity to marry Ken Waitz all those years ago, I grabbed it. Thank you, Ken. For this book alone, you edited my words, helped me with Excel spreadsheets, cheered me on, gave me space to write, and encouraged me throughout the process. You also madeand makeme laugh more than anyone I know. I am grateful for the life we have built together, and for the joy of having you by my side. Thank you. I am truly blessed.

Jack and Max, you are my reasons for being. The future is brighter with you in it. Thank you for your patience and encouragement throughout this year of writing. At least you know that I make myself write more than one draft, too.

Back in the early 1990s, I went to New York University School of Law to earn my law degree. I walked out with a pack of chosen sisters. Raman Gill, Ragini Gupta, and Miriam Spiro, you read my entire first draft (the entire draft!) with great insight, humor, and compassion. Thank you for having my back on this project, and always. Our never-ending chat is a lifeline that has saved me on more than one occasion. I love you, ladies, for everything.

A special shout-out to Raman Gill for agreeing to be interviewed for this book. In my humble opinion, she is the best criminal defense lawyer that Austin, Texas, has to offer.

James B. Jacobs was my law school mentor and has remained my dear friend for the past thirty years. He encourages me to write, and to keep on writing, even when it gets hard. My professional life would not be where it is without his support and guidance, and I am eternally thankful for his friendship.

Many dear friends from my beautiful town of Montclair and beyond encircled me with encouragement and friendship. You know who you are. Thank you.

Special mention must be made of Leslie Kaufmana brilliant professional writer and friend; thank you for your wisdom and support. Pritha Gopalan, your suggestion for a preface was brilliant. Thank you to Sarah Damaskos, for her insightful marketing ideas and her friendship. Jacquie Ruderman, our daily check-ins keep me sane, always.

To my mom, Eva Gould, who came to this country as an immigrant, you taught me the power of hard work, and you continue to inspire every day. Thank you to my mom and my sister, Cynthia Berry, for your never-ending support. We may be a small pack, but we are fierce! Dad, I think you would have been proud.

To my extended family, thank you for always being there. I love you all. A special thanks to Judy Waitz, mother-in-law extraordinaire, for her amazing dust jacket photo and her photos on my website.

Thank you to Gina DeVito, to John Lentini, to Rebecca Greenberg, to the lawyers for Rodricus Crawford, and to all the others who took time out of their busy lives to speak with me. Your generosity and assistance are much appreciated.

Thank you to Montclair State University for giving me time away from teaching to write this book.

To Israel Vasquez. You will always be remembered.

This book would not have been possible without the entire publication team at the University of California Press. To Maura Roessner, Madison Wetzell, Peter Perez and Katryce Lassle, I am thankful beyond measure that my first book was placed in such attentive, capable, and creative hands; and thanks to Steven Baker for copyediting and to Cindy Fulton for managing the books production.